OPERATION
GROUNDSWELL’s
GENDER
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Early Summer 2015
INDIA GENDER AND RELIGION
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OPERATION GROUNDSWELL
www.operationgroundswell.com
WE’re sparking a
movement of
globally active &
socially coNScious
BACKPACKTIVISTS.
The summer of your life is about to begin. This
package will get you stoked and fill you in on
everything you need to know about OG and your
region.
CONTENTS
3 OUR APPROACH
4 A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS
5 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
6 INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE
7 INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE CONTINUED
8 GETTING IN & OUT OF INDIA
9 TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE
10 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
11 WHAT TO PACK
12 PACKING LIST CONTINUED
13 MONEY MATTERS
14 CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S
15 HINDI FOR DUMMIES
16 WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH
17 KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER
18 FINAL CHECKLIST
Backpacking with a purpose
is about being conscious and
critical of our impact on the
communities that we travel to.
OUR APPROACH
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Respect: make an effort to understand all people...
even the ones we don’t get along with.
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Humility: a backpacktivist may look silly searching
for words in a new language, but the very attempt
connects us to locals on a whole different level.
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Solidarity: a backpacktivist stands in solidarity
with all peoples, regardless of race, gender, or
class.
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Group-focused: leverage the power of a group
to develop a deeper understanding of the world
around us and ourselves.
Here are the values that every backpacktivist should
strive for:
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Prepared to change: the most important quality in
a backpacktivist is the ability to reflect and adapt.
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Full life livin’: squeeze the sweet nectar out of
every opportunity the world throws at us!
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Conscientious: adhering to local traditions and
customs allows us to understand the value of
cultures different from our own.
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Thirst for learning: the road is the best classroom
and a backpacktivist is searching for truth.
Leadership: we are training the next generation of
positive and diverse leaders.
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Operation Groundswell is a collaborative organization.
It’s in our DNA. Which is why over the past couple
years, we’ve sat down with over fifty people close
to OG to ask them which values best represent the
organization. Together we built what is now called the
Backpacktivist Manifesto: a working document that
we will use to inform everything we do, both abroad
and right here in our home communities.
THE SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE IS
ABOUT TO BEGIN.
HERE’S EVERYTHING THAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW.
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A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS
NAMASTE!
Welcome to OG India: Gender & Religion! Are you ready to experience India, one of the most diverse, vibrant, and
incredible countries in the world?!
We, your program leaders, are incredibly excited to be leading this unforgettable program. Together, we will
experience the myriad of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that India has to offer, from the chaotic capital of Delhi
to the serene foothills of the Himalayas.
As one of the oldest, most tempting backpacker destinations in the world, India is an engaging, challenging, and
inspiring country whose raw beauty and intensity will stay with you for years to come. Not only will we get to ride
through dusty plains, drink street chai, and eat mangoes until we burst, but our community-requested volunteer
projects will give us greater insight into the reality of life in the sub-continent. We will meet people from all walks
of life with a wealth of knowledge and a vibrant drive for global betterment. Our own little group will also be
an awesome family of love and learning to keep us going along the way. An open mind and heart are both high
priorities on the packing list!
As leaders of this program, we are not here to create the experience for you, but to facilitate the process of
understanding a culture and country that has existed for thousands of years, to encourage each other to be
mindful guests, and to work in solidarity with our friends and partners on the ground. We take a solution-oriented
approach to tackling community problems and our decision-making process focuses on building group trust - an
ingredient necessary for building consensus.
We are here to answer any questions and provide support until the moment we meet in Delhi. Feel free to contact
us with any questions, whether large or small.
In the meantime, go over all this program package has to offer...we promise it’ll get you even more excited than
you already are!
With love,
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Claire & Byron
6 INCREDIBLE
WEEKS. 1 PAGE.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DELHI ORIENTATION
We arrive in India’s bustling capital where we will
prepare for our six-week adventure! We will get to
know this chaotic capital city with an introduction to
Indian culture (and cuisine!) and, most importantly,
each other. After our initial orientation, we will have
the opportunity to meet and listen to some of the
leaders of the political fight for equality in Delhi. .
UTTARAKHAND TREK TO GANGOTRI GLACIER
In the uppermost regions of Uttarkhand, we will make
the ancient Hindu pilgrimage from Gangotri to Gomuhk,
one of the sources of the mighty Ganga River. We will
hike to Bujbasa ashram for a night’s stay, drinking
tea next to the icy river, and wandering through the
cascading foothills to touch the glacier the following
morning!
AMRITSAR COMMUNITY SPACE AND SIKHISM
DHARAMSHALA TIBETAN BUDDHISM IN EXILE
Dharamsala is the home of the largest Tibetan refugee
population in India, the Tibetan government in exile,
and the official residence of the Dalai Lama. We will
work with the Tibetan Women’s Association to gain
an insight into the life of Tibetan refugees in India,
Buddhism, and the political situation in Tibet…all while
basking in the glorious foothills of the Himalayas.
YOUR PROGRAM ON A GOOGLE MAP
Here is the itinerary for the six weeks that we will
be together! In the age of Google, we decided
that an interactive map is the only way to roll. Feel
free to play around with it, make it your browser’s
homepage, and share it with your friends and
family. Soon enough we’ll be on the ground doing
that route for real.
Simply plug this link in your browser:
http://bit.ly/1x8GxgO
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The centre of Sikhism, home to the Golden Temple
(Harmandir Sahib) and deep within the plains of
Punjab, Amritsar is where we will experience Sikhism
firsthand. We will learn of the history of Partition,
explore community inclusivity, and volunteer within
the temple kitchen at Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara,
which feeds up to 100,000 pilgrims a day.
INDIA IS NOT THE COUNTRY
THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT. HERE
ARE THE DETAILS.
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INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE
Population: 1.2 billion
Major languages: Hindi, English, Urdu
Major religion: Hindu, Buddhism, Islam
Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 69 years (women)
Monetary unit: Indian Rupees
Time Zone: GMT +5:30
Northwest India will amaze, surprise, and intimidate
at any and every turn. With its in-your-face diversity,
snow-dusted mountains, tranquil temples, feisty
festivals, lantern-lit villages, and software-supreme
cities, it’s hardly surprising that this country has been
dubbed the world’s most multidimensional. Love it,
loathe it, or see-saw between the two, India promises
to jostle your entire being, and no matter what, it’s a
place you’ll never forget.
Home to more than one billion people, the subcontinent
bristles with an eclectic melange of ethnic groups
to create an intoxicating cultural cocktail. India has
many sacrosanct sites and stirring philosophical
epics. History buffs will encounter grand vestiges of
the British Raj peering over ancient spice bazaars and
crumbling fortresses. Lovers of the great outdoors can
And there’s the food! A plate of curry with chapatti
and a cup of chai tea is a meal you will learn to love,
and miss passionately after this program.
With one of the world’s fastest-growing economies,
India has certainly made giant strides over the past
decade. Despite averaging an annual growth rate of
around 9% in recent years, vast sections of the country’s
billion-plus population have seen little benefit from the
economic boom. Indeed, the government’s ongoing
challenge is to spread both the burden and bounty of
India’s fiscal prosperity. Not an easy task given that the
gap between the haves and the have-nots is far from
shrinking, and poverty is set to spiral upwards if India’s
population rate continues to gallop beyond that of its
economic growth.
Indian official estimates of the extent of poverty
have been subject to debate. According to UNICEF
statistics, 32.7% of the population, as of 2011, lived on
less than below the new international poverty line of
$1.25 per day.
The stark contrasts of people and places will surely
fascinate, if not shock you. You’ll likely leave India
wondering how and why a country like this exists, and
that question will bring you back, again and again.
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Capital: New Delhi
hike along the foothills of the Himalayas or take a dip in
one of the many cool clean lakes and rivers...
SLEEPING. EATING. GETTING
AROUND. SPEAKING. PLAYING. WE
take our cues from LOCALS FOR
THE MOST REAL EXPERIENCES.
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PASSPORTS
You will need a valid passport with an expiry date of no
less than 6 months after your estimated time of return.
If you have not done so already, you should immediately
begin the process of acquiring/renewing your passport.
For Canadian citizens applying for a passport, visit:
www.ppt.gc.ca
For U.S. citizens applying for a passport, visit:
www.state.gov
VISAS
You are responsible for having all the proper visa
requirements and though your program fee does not
cover visa costs, your program leaders are here to answer
any questions if a pre-trip application is necessary.
Getting an Indian tourist visa means visiting a third-party
visa service called BLS International in person or mailing
your passport with your application. Start this process as
soon as possible - minimum six weeks before the start date
of your program. Canadians can find application information
here, and Americans here. For all other countries, we advise
that you confirm your visa requirements directly with your
embassy as soon as possible to give yourself sufficient time
to apply for a visa, if necessary.they will be able to explain
some of the intricacies.requirements directly with the
embassy though we are more than happy to assist you.
WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?
As the bible of backpacking goes, we will be sleeping in every
kind of place imaginable. In Delhi, we will be staying in a
comfortable hotel that is similar to anything basic you could
find in North America. As we move on, it will be more of an
adventure! We’ll be sleeping in guesthouses/hostels, buses,
temples (tempos - you’ll learn about these) and ashrams.
From dorms with shared bathrooms, to semi-private rooms,
conditions will be basic, but comfortable.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
With years of experimenting on how to arrange flights,
Operation Groundswell has found that participants often find
cheaper flights by booking on their own. What we want to
stress is that you must arrive into Delhi, India on May 24,
2015. The official end date of the program—a.k.a. the date
we will drop you off at the airport to go home - is July 2nd,
2015.
We suggest checking Kayak, Orbitz, Cheapoair, Google
Flights and other flight sites to get the cheapest rate.
If you are an American student, we have a partnership with
StudentUniverse to offer you the some of the most affordable
airfare options. Click here to look for flights.
If you are Canadian and you would rather the personal touch
of a travel agent, you can get in touch with Alan Borenstein
at Flight Centre. He is a past program leader and currently
books all our program leader’s flights. You can reach him
toll-free at 1-877-815-4906 or send him an email at alan.
[email protected].
NOTE: If you arrive before the program begins, you will not
be under the auspices of Operation Groundswell. We cannot
guarantee that anyone will meet you at the airport or arrange
your accommodations. You will be entirely responsible for
yourself until the first day of the program. Check all flights
with your program leaders before you book them!
**IMPORTANT**
You will receive an email (if you haven’t already) with a link
to fill out your flight information. It is imperative that you fill
this out so that we can arrange pickups on the first day of
the program.
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GETTING IN & OUT OF INDIA
HEALTH & SAFETY ARE
OUR TOP PRIORITY.
TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GROUND
Operation Groundswell requires you to purchase travel
health insurance for the duration of your time abroad. It’s
important to make sure you find the insurance plan that suits
your needs.
Operation Groundswell requires your doctor’s signature on
a personal medical history form stating that you are both
physically and mentally cleared for participation in the
program. Operation Groundswell does not discriminate
against physical or mental conditions or disability. We simply
want to make sure that you are fully aware of the risks and
challenges of the program, that we are aware of any previous
medical conditions, and that we have the capacity to support
you while you’re abroad! This form will be sent to you two
weeks after your deposit has been paid.
At the minimum, participants generally get basic medical
insurance to cover them for any medical emergencies that
occur while they’re abroad. We recommend shopping around
on sites like squaremouth.com, which will list a variety of
options and compare their coverage. The cost will depend
on the extras you get on top of medical (covering lost or
stolen baggage, electronics, etc.)
If Operation Groundswell must cancel a program due to
low numbers, OG will be happy to relocate you to another
program. If you would rather cancel than relocate, OG will
reimburse your full program fee but is not responsible for
refunding any flight cost or other costs associated with the
program. You decide if you’d like to insure your flight, buy a
flexible ticket, or buy separate flight insurance through your
airline.
KEEPING US IN THE LOOP
Two weeks after paying your deposit, you will receive an
email with:
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A copy of the personal medical history form that your
doctor must sign
A personal link where you can upload the signed copy
REGIONALLY RELEVANT MEDICINE
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Hepatitis A & B
Recommended for all travelers.
**We require this form at the latest a month before your
program starts.
Typhoid
Recommended for all travelers.
A month before your program starts, you will receive an
email with a link for you to provide your:
Yellow fever
Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected
area in Africa or the Americas.
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Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956,
if not previously given.
The links you will be sent are live forms, so you can fill out
a portion of the information when you have it and continue
filling it out once you’ve booked your flights, etc. closer to
the program date.
Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years.
Malaria
Optional for travellers to India.
Emergency contact
Travel insurance
Flight information
**IMPORTANT**
The above information is required for participation in every
OG program.
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Staying healthy on your program is one of the most important
aspects of enjoying an Operation Groundswell experience.
With the proper preparation beforehand and careful attention
on the program, you can minimize most health risks while
still having a great time. Operation Groundswell expects
you to meet with a travel doctor or your GP (if he or she is
comfortable advising), before leaving your country of origin.
You must be up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations
and equipped with any necessary medications for travel in
India. We advise you to bring a copy of your itinerary to your
appointment or send it to your doctor beforehand. While we
provide a lot of recommended information here, the travel
doctor will know what you absolutely need at the time of
departure according to which region(s) you’re traveling to.
HEALTH & SAFETY ARE
OUR TOP PRIORITY.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
As a well-established and experienced volunteer-abroad
organization, Operation Groundswell takes active precautions
to keep you safe and secure while overseas on your program.
We take travel safety very seriously. Each section of your
program undergoes a standardized risk assessment. Your
program leaders do a dry run of your program before you
arrive to confirm the nearest medical facilities and potential
risks. At least one program leader on each program has
taken a Wilderness First Aid course and is fully certified by
Wilderness Medical Associates. Our program leaders are
proficient in local languages (where it is necessary) and have
met and discussed safety concerns with our local partners.
Each program checks in daily with our Toronto headquarters
to relay important information and ensure the health and
safety of participants. Our Programs Director reads regional
travel warnings daily and is available 24/7 to deal with
emergencies on the ground.
With that in mind, it is important to remember that every
OG program prides itself on taking you directly into the
experience of living in that region. Pick pocketing, purse
snatching, and various types of scams are the most common
forms of crime confronting visitors. Those who limit their
display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce
their vulnerability to crime. Participants are advised to carry
limited amounts of cash for this reason.
India is generally very safe but conditions on the ground
can change quickly, which is why our programs are flexible.
We will adjust our course to stay safe at all times. Always
communicate where you are going to your program
leaders and fellow participants. India can be just as safe as
any place in Canada or the United States. It is just about
being vigilant and aware of what is going on around you.
OG and its local partners are familiar with these risks
and will take all necessary precautions to ensure the
safety and security of its participants. This includes
maintaining an effective flow of information and
using the knowledge of our wonderful partners, local
contacts, and officials. Equally, OG program leaders will
project an inclusive, respectful, and non-partisan image.
They will be running through the entire program prior to
your arrival to ensure that everything is safe and secure.
Nevertheless, program logistics will remain under review
and the itinerary flexible to unforeseen developments.
To learn more about our safety protocols, visit http://
operationgroundswell.com/programs/safety/.
**IMPORTANT**
There are also a variety of safety precautions that we require
you to undertake prior to and immediately upon arrival in
India.
First, team members should read government travel
advisories for India here.
NOTE: Keep in mind that government advisories provide a
countrywide assessment of risks and we will provide more
region-specific information in the pre-program meetings
that each team will have with their program leaders in April.
Second, all Canadian participants are required to register
with Consular Services Canada as a “Canadian Traveling
Abroad.” This will allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade to contact us in case of an emergency.
Please make the required registration for your trip at http://
travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
Those traveling with a U.S. passport should register at
https://step.state.gov/step/.
For all other nationalities, please find your country’s consular
services to see if there is an option to register as a traveler
abroad.
STAYING IN TOUCH
Internet will be available periodically for you to email home.
Telephone access will be limited. Buying a local cell phone
can be a more cost effective way of keeping in touch. Your
team will be blogging throughout the program so pass on
the link to family and friends: www.operationgroundswell.
com/journal/. Additionally, both your program leaders have
locally serviced cell phones for emergency use. They will be in
regular contact throughout the summer with OG’s Programs
Director. In case of emergency, please ask your family or
next of kin to call OG’s main line at 1-888-422-0164. From
there, they will be connected directly to one of our on-call
Summer Coordinators.
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STAYING SAFE ON THE GROUND
PACK YOUR BAG,
THEN REMOVE HALF
OF IT AS YOU
PROBABLY WON’T
NEED MOST OF IT.
Remember: The rule of thumb is always to
pack as lightly as possible! WHAT TO PACK
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
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Passport (valid beyond 6 months from the start
date of the program)
Extra passport photos (if you have them)
Copies of passport/tickets/credit cards (you
want extras in case you lose a document)
Customer service numbers for credit cards/
insurance
Proof of vaccinations
Student card (always a chance for better
deals!)
BACKPACK & DAYPACK
Because we’re not wheelie-baggers, we’re
backpackers! We recommend going to an outdoor
adventure store and getting a pack fitted to you.
Most people should only need a 45-65L pack.
Try a bunch on and compare prices to find one
that is right. You could also borrow from a friend!
OG Gender and Religion l 10
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It is also important to bring a daypack for short trips
and daily use. Also, you’ll probably want to have
room in your bag so you can pick things up along
the way like weavings, coffee, or books.
PACKING LIST CONTINUED
SHOES
OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
If you buy new shoes, break them in before the program.
»» 1 pair of sturdy shoes (for travel days and rainycool weather)
»» 1 pair of lightweight water proof shoes/sandals
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Sleeping bag (something light weight, a sleeping
liner or even a sheet will do...just enough to keep
any mosquitos off!)
1 bath towel (quick-dry adventure towels are the
lightest)
Flashlight (headlamps are popular and
recommended)
Min. 1L reusable water bottle
A pocket knife (but don’t pack this in your carryon luggage)
Medication/EpiPen, if you need it
GENERAL CLOTHING
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5-7 pairs of underwear
3-4 pairs of socks
2-3 pairs of shorts (please keep them knee length
to avoid unwanted attention and mosquito bites
where the sun don’t shine!)
3-4 t-shirts/tank-tops (revealing clothing isn’t
your best bet, but we also know that it gets damn
hot during the day. Just try to keep a balance.)
1 pair of comfortable pants or shorts for hiking,
treks, or other physical activity
1 pair of nice pants and a nice shirt/polo, or a
long skirt for when we meet community leaders/
important folk or visit temples
1-2 longer sleeve shirts (good to layer as it
protects from the sun)
1 sweater - a good quality fleece is great because
it is warm but LIGHT.
1 waterproof jacket (a shell that you can layer a
sweater underneath is probably the best!)
A hat to protect you from the sun
A bathing suit (modesty is your friend)
Remember, we’ll be taking long bus rides, working
with established organizations, and did we mention
that it can get REALLY hot in India? The biggest thing
to pack for is comfort. Try not to bring anything too
restrictive, but also bear in mind that when hiding from
the sun, less is definitely NOT more. Lightweight layers
will actually keep you cooler. And it’s not all heat! When
we trek to the hills it can get pretty rainy and cool so
layers will definitely be your friend.
India is a modestly dressed country as is, but when
talking and learning about gender equality and cultural
sensitivity, it is especially important to be respectful
about how we dress. But don’t fret over it too much!
India is home to some of the cheapest and raddest
clothing, built IN India and FOR India. You won’t have
trouble finding the perfect thing to wear, no matter
where you are on the ground.
PERSONAL HYGIENE & TOILETRIES
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Regular hygiene items like soap, shampoo,
deodorant, shaving cream, etc. (Note: these are
all readily available in smaller quantities and at
a cheaper price if you would rather buy them in
country. Another good option is bringing small
quantities to begin with and refilling once incountry)
Vitamins, painkillers, cold medicines, etc.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
1 extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts/
contact solution (if required)
Tampons and pads (it is always a good idea to
bring more than enough tampons though you can
buy this in-country)
Bug spray and after bite
Sunscreen and lip balm
Immodium/Pepto Bismol (you will want this!)
One round of prescription medicine (i.e. diarrhoea
meds – ask your doctor)
If you have asthma and you need a puffer, bring
it even if you rarely use it. Same goes for allergies
and EpiPens
Any prescriptions that you need (be mindful that
refrigeration is not always possible – so ask your
program leaders)
NOTE: All program leaders are equipped with First
Aid Kits, so though it is useful to have basics like Advil
or Tylenol, you don’t need to pack a pharmacy. There
will be a medical form sent out closer to the program
start time so you can outline and specific mental or
physical health problems.
OTHER NICE-TO-HAVE ITEMS
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Journal & Pen
iPod/MP3 player if you have one
Camera
Ear plugs or eye mask if you’re a light sleeper
No need for a computer, iPhone, iPad, or anything
similar as we will have access to a computer when
we have access to the internet!
You can bring books, but remember these
are heavy. You can exchange with your fellow
travellers.
A photo of your family or friends back home to
show to new friend in the communities we visit, or
anything else that you can’t live without.
If you’re a picky eater, need comfort food, or are
particular about your nutrition: Peanut Butter,
Nutella, Fruit-to-go’s, Protein Bars.
Money belt/discreet wallet
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CHANCES ARE SOMETHING IN
ONE OF INDIA’S BUSY LOCAL
MARKETS WILL CATCH YOUR
EYE.
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MONEY MATTERS
MONEY TIPS
IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND RELATIVELY
INEXPENSIVELY ON AN OG PROGRAM. WHAT
YOU SPEND IS REALLY UP TO YOU.
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A $50 US bill in the bottom of your bag is always
recommended. USD are easily exchanged and in the
unlikely event that your wallet got jacked, it’s enough
to get you some internet, a place to stay, phone calls
home, and a change of clothes.
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The program fee covers the costs of accommodations,
three meals a day, transport, and excursions. It does
NOT cover any personal expenses such as souvenirs,
laundry, or whatever you choose to do for your
Independent Travel Time. For these cases, you will
want to bring some spending money.
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Leave any traveler’s cheques and Canadian money
at home. They are problematic to cash or exchange.
Debit cards work (most of the time) in India.
ATM/ABMs are widespread and can dispense up
to $200 USD equivalent. There is a transaction
charge of approx. $5.00 USD, but they are the
most convenient and safest option. It is advisable
to communicate with your bank before departure
to determine their level of accessibility.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card. Do
your best to have a chip card that is PIN ENABLED
to have it work in ATMs. Make sure that the PLUS
sign is on the back of your card so that it works in
international ATM locations.
Call your bank and inform them of your travel
plans so they don’t place a hold on your account
when they see money being withdrawn in a foreign
country (you do NOT want this to happen!)
There will be a safety talk before the program, but
money in large amounts, Interac/credit cards, etc.
will NOT be carried in any one location and we
recommend using money belts/discreet wallets
THE BEST WAY TO FIT IN IS TO
DO AS THE LOCALS DO.
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CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S
Be a cultural chameleon, and do what you can to try
and show as much courtesy and interest in the local
culture as possible. Do as the locals do and try to
follow these basic rules while in India! Being aware and
sensitive to your surroundings is the first step towards
being a traveler and not a tourist!
DO...
DO NOT...
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Do not to give money to street kids. Give food
(not packed) if you must. Avoid giving money
or attention to any beggars in tourist areas. You
can become surrounded and put yourself at risk.
Giving money isn’t inherently bad, but it doesn’t
solve the root problems of poverty..
Do not point your feet towards a person or
towards the direction of sacred items like a statue,
picture of a guru, etc. If your feet accidentally
touch someone, do apologize. Remove your shoes
when entering a temple.
Do not to touch people on the head, even a child’s
head.
Try not to talk about issues like Hindu/Muslim
conflicts, the partition, racial issues, etc. These are
highly charged and emotional topics.
Avoid any kind of kissing. Public displays of
affection are acceptable in certain places, as long
as they are not sexual in nature.
Be aware that running, dancing, or joking around
is not acceptable inside temples, monasteries, and
sacred sites.
Some Hindu temples don’t allow photographs or
don’t allow non-Hindus to enter certain parts. Be
conscious of signs saying so.
OG Gender and Religion l 13
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»»
The most common form of showing respect and
greeting is “Namaste”, spoken with a slight bow
and hands pressed together, palms touching and
fingers pointing upwards. Handshakes are fine, but
be selective about hugging.
Ask permission before taking someone’s
photograph. If you’re allowed, most people would
love to see the photo after!
Spitting and urinating in public is prevalent and
accepted practice. You may have to follow the
custom in an emergency – i.e. when there is no
toilet or if the toilet is utterly unusable. Carry toilet
paper with you.
Food should only be touched with the right hand.
Cutlery is usually available, but if you want to go
authentic, eat with your bare hand.
Girls: Dress modestly to avoid unnecessary
attention. Shoulders must be covered when
entering religious sites. Groping is common in
some areas. We will do our utmost to avoid this,
but do not tolerate it if you see where it is coming
from.
Guys: Avoid walking around without a shirt.
Attempt to speak the local language whenever
you can. It will come handy in a situation when no
one speaks English. Locals may enjoy teaching
you a word or two and appreciate you making
efforts to learn their language.
LIVING IN THE
LANGUAGE.
HINDI FOR DUMMIES
Hello:
Namaste or Pranaam
Good Morning:
Shubha Prabhat
What’s up?:
Kaise hain?
I’m ok/it’s ok:
Tik hain
Please:
Kripaya
Thank you:
Dhanyabaad or Shukriya
Sorry (forgive me):
Maf Kijiyega
Very good:
Bahut Accha
India is very beautiful:
India bahut sundar hai
Yes/No:
Ha/Nahi
I am Canadian:
Mai Canadian Hu’ - or Mai Canadian Se (I am from
Canada)
Stop:
Ruko
How much?:
Katna/Paisa?
No, I will not marry you:
Nahi, mai turn se shadi nahi karsakta
Leave me alone:
Muje ekela chodiye
Nice to meet you:
Apse Mikar Kushi Hui
Water:
Pani
NOTE: Nodding, head movements, eye glances are
used for common expressions like yes, no, maybe, ok,
here, there, directions, etc.
OG Gender and Religion l 14
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Alcohol:
Sharab
WE RESPOND TO THE
NEEDS OF OUR
LOCAL PARTNERS
WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH
BIJA VIDYAPEETH, DOON VALLEY
www.navdanya.org/earth-university
Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University) is Navdanya’s learning
centre located at the Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation
Farm in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand. At this farm, we will join
in organic practices, learning from nature and from farmers.
We’ll have the opportunity to learn about the gender
implications for rural farmers and how environmental
degradation is significantly affecting women, especially
in rural agriculture. At the Bija Vidyapeeth, we will learn
through active participation and observation.
HARMANDIR SAHIB GURUDWARA, AMRITSAR
Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, is the holiest
gurudwara and centre of the Sikh faith. It is an amazing
example of an inclusive space for people of all genders,
religions, castes, and cultures to come and worship equally.
The Golden Temple offers free meals, accommodation, and
refuge to all visitors. As guests there, we will spend time
contributing to the work while learning about the Sikh faith
by engaging directly with the community of worshippers.
TIBETAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
www.tibetanwomen.org
The Tibetan Women’s Association is a non-profit
organization with a diverse set of aims and activities,
including promoting the social, political, and economic
equality of Tibetan women, in Tibet and exile communities.
The organization seeks to address the drastic human
rights abuses committed against Tibetan women while
also working to preserve and promote Tibetan culture,
language, tradition, and the arts.
OG Gender and Religion l 15
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The TWA will provide fascinating and informative talks
introducing Buddhism and Tibetan politics, as well as the
work they and other NGOs in the area are doing to improve
the lives of Tibetan women with refugee status in India.
TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
OPEN YOUR MIND AND SOAK UP
EVERYTHING YOU CAN.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU
SMARTER
This section is meant to provide further information
on the region that cannot be covered in this program
package. These are extra resources that you may draw
upon to learn more about the places that you will be
travelling, current/relevant issues in these places, as
well as media such as films and music which may help
paint a cultural picture.
**If the links don’t work, just copy and paste them into
your browser!
BOOKS
The Mahabharata and The Ramayana are classic Indian
epics. They are long, but they never cease to amaze.
They are still widely read, cited, recited over the radio,
and turned into epic soap operas and Bollywood
movies in India. It’s good to know the basic plot lines!
What Young India Wants by Chetan Bhagat
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
FILMS
Partition (2007)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
3 Idiots (2009)
Darjeeling Limited (2007)
YOUTUBE CLIPS
Masaladosa - Ganpati
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-5rBE5Cyo
Tabla and Tanpur
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tyb1ykLktE
Anoushka Shankar - Mahadeva
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WriBVGuxQI
Pt Shivkumar Sharma & Rahul Sharma - Santoor Duet
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VldKoqgDvoI
Hariprasad Chaurasia & Co
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqVUgjO5Qqw
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
MUSIC
Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found by Suketu
Mehta
Ravi Shankar Sitar legend
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Bollywood music What most Indians listen to!
Tabla music Amazing north Indian drumming
OG Gender and Religion l 16
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RESOURCES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Final checklist
for the
adventure of a
lifetime.
FINAL CHECKLIST
Make sure you’ve got everything covered with
our handy dandy checklist!
¨¨ Make sure you have a valid passport! You must
have a passport valid 6 months after your
expected date of departure.
¨¨ Make an appointment with your travel doctor
ASAP and make sure you’re up to date with your
vaccinations (sometimes it can take up to three
weeks to get these). Fill out your medical history
form and make sure your doctor signs it.
¨¨ Book your flight! You are responsible for booking
your own flight but once you’ve found it, check
the exact details with your program leader before
booking.
¨¨ Get travel insurance.
¨¨ Fill out the emergency contact, travel insurance
and flight form, and upload your medical history
form (link will be sent via email. Contact us if you
do not receive it by the month leading up to your
program).
¨¨ Pay your 2nd and 3rd installment.
¨¨ Meet your team in your final pre-program meeting
in April!
¨¨ Sign online waiver (will be sent to you via e-mail).
OG Gender and Religion l 17
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¨¨ GET EXCITED!!!
GET READY
TO
BACKPACK
WITH A
PUTHISRPOSE
SUMMER.
ALL OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK ARE
MEMOrIES CAPTURED BY OG ALUMNI
OG Gender and Religion l 18